An MBA (Master in Business Administration) differs from other postgraduate business programmes. It is an intensive programme with many modules and teaching relies heavily on real-world examples, case studies and group work.

MBA’s also tend to have professionally experienced cohorts, meaning the content, classroom discussions and assessments can refer to experience and develop understanding in differing contexts.

MBAs are recognised around the world and are a popular programme of choice for ambitious businesspeople. As an MBA graduate would know, return on investment (ROI) is of critical importance – and MBAs offer a global average salary uplift of 66%.

‘Hard’ and ‘soft’ skills

The role of an MBA graduate isn’t to be a specialist in certain business functions, that is ‘hard skills’, such as in Marketing, Operations and HRM. There will likely be specialists in these fields at most organisations, with a degree in the subject!

No, the role of an MBA graduate is to be a well-rounded professional with managerial expertise with knowledge in these functions.

In other words, employers seek MBA graduates with ‘soft skills’. These skills are the more abstract and hard to define skills, but are nonetheless transferable and in demand. Examples include effective time management, ability to solve complex issues, leadership, strategic thinking and networking.

This is not to say you shouldn’t have knowledge of the ‘hard skill’ business functions, rather you should have the base knowledge of the functions and effectively manage each in order to make strategic decisions.

The best of both worlds

With our MBA at Ulster University London Campus, you get the best of both worlds. An all-encompassing programme which enhances your understanding of these hard skills, providing you with the knowledge of core theories, concepts and case studies in modules covering Marketing, Accounting and HRM. Whilst modules such as Leadership and Change, Strategy and Innovation and Entrepreneurship develop the sought after ‘soft skills’.

The MBA is informed by current market trends and maintains contemporary relevance by analysing industry, social and political trends within the teaching. Throughout there is an explicit objective to enhance your transferable skills, which are essential for successful general and strategic management in a range of organisations.

To find out more about this programme, visit the course page or download a prospectus.